Review: ‘Barbarian’ is a twisty, terrifying ride

All my favorite theater-going experiences have a common denominator: a sense of community among strangers once the credits roll. Built up by shared laughs, gasps, or groans, this sense of audience bonding comes from knowing you’ve experienced something wholly unique together. Barbarian was one of these — delivering something that should be seen with as many people as possible, huddled together in the dark. 

The feature directorial and screenwriting debut of Zach Cregger (who got his start as a founding member of the sketch comedy group The Whitest Kids U Know), Barbarian starts off with a simple and creepy premise. Tess (Georgina Campbell) has discovered that the Airbnb rental she booked for a job interview is already being occupied by another renter, Keith (Bill Skarsgård). Like anyone who’s existed as a woman on this earth would’ve figured, Tess initially thinks her best bet is to get backup lodging for the night. Unfortunately, the awkward arrangement between her and Keith isn’t so easily resolved, and the house has deadly secrets the pair eventually discover.